State health officials say the number of new coronavirus cases in Arizona has hit an alarming new daily high of nearly 2,400 - almost double the previous high record.
The State Department of Health Tuesday reported 2, 392 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 25 additional known deaths. Hospital intensive care units are reportedly around 80% capacity, with more than 1,300 COVID-19 patients as of Monday.
Arizona is closing in on 40,000 confirmed cases with more than 1,200 known deaths. Hundreds of medical providers statewide have signed a letter to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to mandate the use of face masks in public.
As a result of the surging infection rate statewide, the Navajo Nation will reinstate weekend lockdowns. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez Tuesday announced plans to bring back the 57-hour lockdowns. He says, if a second wave of infection were to hit the Nation, it would put enormous pressure on the Tribe's health care system and employees.
Daily nighttime curfews continue to be in effect on the Navajo Nation. Businesses will have to close during the reinstated weekend lockdowns which start at sundown Friday and end at sunrise Monday. Tribal police have been citing people who violate the lockdowns.
